Modernism Week 2020: MidCen Celebration Coming Soon To The Desert

PALM SPRINGS, CA — Modernism Week will launch its Fall Preview — and this year as an "online experience" — with tickets for sale and viewing to begin Oct. 15.

Seven different events are planned, all similar to programming that typically would be available during past, "in-person" Modernism Week festivities, according to organizers.

“Since we are not able to create a live festival environment for our guests in October, the Modernism Week board of directors and staff have worked with our local partner organizations to develop new ideas for compelling virtual programs," said J. Chris Mobley, the week's chief executive officer. "The online programs will allow viewers to participate remotely from home and to safely share the event experiences with their family and friends, adding the flavor and fun of a traditional Modernism Week Fall Preview.”

On the agenda:

• Modernism Week Signature Home Tour Video Series: (5 segments) /$25. "This specially-produced video home tour series will allow participants to virtually tour some of the most significant homes in Palm Springs. Participants will be led on guided interior and exterior home tours of five fabulous residences where they will virtually walk through the interiors, gardens and grounds and see what makes Palm Springs desert architecture and lifestyle unique."
• Charles Phoenix PALM SPRINGSLAND: 40 minutes/$35. "Midcentury pop culture expert Phoenix will take participants on a spirited video driving tour of Palm Springs, the undisputed 'Mecca of Midcentury.' This entertaining tour of historic local Palm Springs landmarks and epic architecture will reveal the legendary midcentury modern homes, retro resorts, classic neighborhoods, commercial and civic buildings, and spectacular style that has made Palm Springs world-famous.
• Fast Forward: Designing the Future of Palm Springs: (3 segments) /$25. "This online conference is designed to raise community awareness of the importance of ensuring Palm Springs’ international legacy of architectural excellence. The comprehensive day-long symposium will feature thoughtful discussion by a stellar panel of speakers and develop recommendations for a checklist of design principles and guidelines for developers and architects as they seek to design and build new structures in Palm Springs. There will be as many as 20 speakers who are notable in their respective fields."
• Mod with a Twist: Best of Twist 2020: (5 segments) /$15. "Reprising their popular Modernism Week event, the cheeky modernists from Makerville and their amazing guest presenters will bring their slightly skewed perspective on modernism by reprising the audience favorites from the February 2020 event. Mod with a Twist offers five presentations, each one about ten minutes long, on fascinating, compelling and sometimes obscure aspects of midcentury modern life."
• The Fall Preview program includes: “HiFi Living,” presented by Bob Bogard, with the focus on thousands of record albums in the 1950s and 1960s that taught America how to embrace its new post-war culture through their liner notes and photos, but NOT through their music; “Think Pink,” by Laura J. Hein, highlighting when pink was the fave color of midcentury appliances, automobiles, fashion and home décor; “The Real Mad Men,” with Richard Hovel's tale of his father, one of the original midcentury advertising giants; “Pointing to Change,” from by Juli Cavnar, on the Midcentury Bullet Bra and space-age design shapes; “Design Duos,” by Debra Hovel, on famous midcentury power-designers couples.
• Film: Preserving Modernism: The Town & Country Center: Free. "Until recently, the modernist Town & Country Center (1948, Paul R. Williams & A. Quincy Jones) was under the threat of demolition. Told in a documentary style, this film chronicles the fascinating story of the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation’s efforts to save the historic complex."
• Film: The Restoration and Stabilization of the Cornelia White Residence: Free. "One of the oldest extant buildings in Palm Springs, the Cornelia White Residence was built in 1893 of 'recycled' railroad ties. Using time-lapse video, the film documents the 'board-by-board' restoration."
• “Live from the Zoom Zoom Room” - Oct. 16, 6 p.m./ $5. "Join your friends at Modernism Week and other Palm Springs locals for a fun, interactive, online live happy hour experience. Whimsical host Kellee McQuinn will welcome guests to the 'Live from the Zoom Zoom Room,' the happiest (virtual) hour of the year. As participants sip on their drink of choice McQuinn will engage guests on this entertainingly interactive affair, which includes a lively lesson in Modernism Mixology, a lightning round of Architecture Trivia, loads of lighthearted laughs, dancing, stories and surprises. DJ Baz will play non-stop swinging tunes from the midcentury era."

Tickets range from $5 to $35 per event, with the two free, film events, and pricing accommodates a household with one viewing device. Event viewing begins Oct. 15 at 12 p.m. and concludes Oct. 31. Programs will be accessible for 30 days for online viewing.

For more information, visit this link.

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